Navy Command - Analytical Chemist

Job summary

Are you a chemist looking for an opportunity to develop your analytical skills in a new and challenging role? Would you enjoy working in a unique environment providing analysis and support to the Royal Navy and armed forces worldwide? This post offers that opportunity.

The Institute of Naval Medicine is the Royal Navy's centre of excellence for occupational health advice, information, training and research. Working in the Environmental and Industrial Hazards Laboratory you will join a team of scientific specialists providing high quality scientific analysis and advice to the Royal Navy and other UK armed services.

We are seeking a Scientific Officer in the Environmental & Industrial Hazards Support Group, primarily based in a laboratory environment, with the occasional requirement to deploy in support of military operations in the land, maritime and air domains, including embarkation on HM Submarines as a member of the Environmental and Industrial Hazards submarine sea-trials and hazardous materials response teams.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

The role is approximately 90% laboratory-based; the remaining time involves field deployment, where you will apply your expertise in real-world operational settings.

The primary role of the chemistry laboratory is the analysis of potable water samples and other environmental samples for the protection and ongoing health monitoring of the armed services. The successful candidate will be responsible for the routine preparation & analysis of samples, Quality Control and data processing of results and issue of reports. Other duties include equipment maintenance and investigation, general laboratory upkeep, follow-up of non-conforming work and other actions resulting from the Quality System. As an accredited laboratory we conduct internal audits, and you will also be expected to join this team and contribute to this crucial task which is key to maintaining the quality of the laboratory’s output.

The secondary element of the role is membership of the hazardous materials response, and submarine trials teams. In these teams you will work alongside military and civilian personnel ashore and at sea, including deploying on submarines, to conduct surveys, audits, investigations, and training. These roles require travel within the UK and overseas.

This is a multifaceted, exciting, and rewarding analytical chemistry role that has genuine impact for UK Defence. It is an excellent opportunity to learn from a team of highly experienced and enthusiastic analysts and would appeal to anybody wanting to develop and apply their skills in both a routine laboratory and field setting. Recent laboratory experience is desirable, however full training will be provided in all aspects of the role.

Operational deployments may involve work on Royal Navy platforms, including submarines, and in constrained or austere environments. Candidates must be willing and able to travel and deploy as required. This role would suit individuals who are motivated to see their work applied operationally, can adapt to dynamic environments, and are comfortable working alongside military teams.

Due to the nature of the role, candidates must be eligible for Security Clearance and meet the requirements for deployment and embarkation at sea.

Duties and Responsibilities

While the primary role is laboratory based, the successful applicant may be required to undertake further training to deliver field work in the UK and overseas, on land, air and maritime operations (including submarines) upon completion of training for the primary role.

Key responsibilities include:

• Working within an ISO 17025 accredited environment to carry out chemical analysis to a high standard in accordance with the laboratory Quality System

• Undertaking analysis of water and other samples using documented analytical methods and ensuring that all work is carried out to the requirements of the Quality System including successful participation in external quality assurance schemes

• Assisting in the maintenance of the laboratory Quality System, including method development and validation, monitoring and continuous improvement of processes, internal auditing, and management of non-conforming work

• Ensuring that stocks of necessary materials are maintained

• Maintaining and developing technical expertise in all aspects of the chemistry laboratory’s work including a working knowledge of relevant legislation and military policy

• Delivering training to service personnel, especially in sampling techniques and potable water topics

• Other laboratory tasks as required such as sample receipt, sample kit preparation and laboratory housekeeping

• Delivery of the Submarine Atmosphere Trials Technician (SATT) role, encompassing:

• • Undertaking submarine trials (Atmosphere Control Acceptance Tests and Submarine Atmosphere Investigations).
  • Undertaking Atmosphere Control Equipment Audits (ACE)
  • Delivery of training to Royal Navy personnel on submarine courses

• Deliver the role of Helicopter Environmental Protection Officer (HEPO), as part of an on-call duty commitment, to respond to incidents involving hazardous materials, associated exercises, and training delivery

Once competence is achieved, delivery of the SATT and HEPO roles may attract additional allowances.

Person specification

The successful candidate will be focused and dedicated to producing a high quality of work. You must be able to work independently with minimum supervision, making decisions regarding your own work and priorities, and be a considerate team worker, offering or providing help to other team members when required. While the primary role is laboratory based, the successful applicant may be required to undertake further training to deliver field work in the UK and overseas, on land, air and maritime operations (including submarines) upon completion of training for the primary role. This role requires the capability to traverse perform traversing activities such as climbing steep ladders and accessing awkward compartments. A full UK driving licence is essential for the SATT and HEPO roles.

Desirable criteria

• As the post is primarily routine laboratory analysis, 12 months recent laboratory experience is desirable, preferably of an analytical nature

• Experience of organic and inorganic analytical techniques including GC-MS, IC, ICP-MS and ICP-OES.

• Experience of working in an ISO 17025 accredited environment

Qualifications

Degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline.

Licences

A full UK driving Licence (Category B))

Qualifications

Degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Applying scientific and technical knowledge
• Understanding and complying with statutory requirements and standards
• Overseeing the technical work of others

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £30,740, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,905 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.